Pass the Drum Series
Drawing inspiration from the Walk the Circle program, Pass the Drum is an anthology series for students of all ages to explore the history and different perspectives of Indigenous culture through drum songs and stories. The beating of the drum reminds us that all human beings have a heartbeat and through that heartbeat, important teachings emerge that connect us to our ancestors. This spiritual connection helps us to express, create, and make a change in our communities. In each episode, you will meet and hear from different Indigenous artists and Elders across Turtle Island.
Click the plus signs to learn more about the artists featured in the Pass the Drum epsiodes.
Episode 1
In this episode, Candice Halls-Howcroft, a proud member of the Squamish Nation, tells the story of how she received her grandfather Khot-La-Cha’s drum and the important teachings that came with it.
Episode 2 - Part 1
In this episode, we meet Ntle’kepmx Elder Nk'xetko (Mary Jane Joe) who shares some of her drum teachings from her home in Musqueam. Nk'xetko is happy to continue on the wonderful stories that have been passed down to her from her Mother, Father, and Grandmother.
Episode 2 - Part 2
Elder Nk'xetko shares a drum song that came to her on the spot while working with the youth at Urban Native Youth Association and tells us how we must listen to our hearts to hear the songs of our ancestors.
Episode 3
In this episode, we meet Chantal Chagnon who is Cree, Ojibwe, and Métis. Chantal zooms in from Calgary, Treaty 7 territory, to share the story of her first drum and the importance of using the teachings to find the leader within.
Episode 4
In this episode, Elder Yeltsilewet (Faye Halls) from Squamish Nation shares the story of Mary Capilano, her grandmother, as passed down to her from her father Khot-La-Cha.
Episode 5
The story of Raven and the Blackberries was originally shared by Uncle Louis Miranda of Squamish Nation, told in Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and translated into English. This iteration is a collaboration between Six Nations artist Artie Martin and Squamish Nation artist Candice Halls-Howcroft.
What do you notice? What do you question?
This video will inspire you to look at the similarities and the differences in Indigenous Culture while also learning an important lesson.
Episode 6
In this episode, we meet Cheyanne Halls-Howcroft, a proud member of Squamish Nation. Cheyanne shares stories about how working alongside her mother and grandmother have strengthened her understanding of what it means to be Sḵwx̱wú7mesh. Her mom Candice also makes a cameo telling us why she felt it was time for Cheyanne to have her own drum.
Episode 7
In this episode, we travel to Vancouver Island where we meet Nate Harris from Stz’uminus who shares some important leadership tips and protocols around the drum. Nate is also a self-taught guitar player and recently released his single 'Precious You'. Nate joins us from his home to perform a drum song, as well as singing and playing guitar.
Episode 8
In this episode, we head to Toronto (Tkaronto - the dish with one spoon), the home to many Indigenous people from across Turtle Island to meet Nyame Outten-Joseph, a 2Spirit Afro-Indigenous Knowledge Keeper, Artivist and aspiring Educator.
Episode 9
In this episode, we head back to Vancouver Island to meet Ecko Aleck. Ecko is a multimedia performing artist working through the disciplines of spoken word, rap, and singing. Ecko was born into the Nlaka’pamux Nation and raised with the Shishalh Nation. She combines traditional with contemporary and is passionate about working with youth, providing them with the tools to express themselves.
Episode 10
In the final episode, Cree, Ojibwe, and Métis artist Chantal Chagnon joins us again to share some very important teachings around making your first drum and the different types of drums used by different Nations.